title: Adaptation of computerized posturography to assess seated balance in persons with spinal cord injury.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The ability to retain or improve seated balance function after spinal cord injury (SCI) may mean the difference between independence and requiring assistance for basic activities of daily living. Compared with assessments of standing and walking balance, seated balance assessments remain relatively underemphasized and under-utilized.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To optimize tools for assessing seated balance deficits and recovery in SCI.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional observational study of different methods for assessing seated balance function.
  
  
  METHODS
  Veterans Affairs Center of Excellence for the Medical Consequences of Spinal Cord Injury.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seven able-bodied volunteers, seven participants with chronic motor-complete thoracic SCI.
  
  
  METHODS
  A computerized pressure-plate apparatus designed for testing standing balance was adapted into a seated balance assessment system.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seated section of Berg Balance Scale; modified functional reach test; and two posturography tests: limits of stability and clinical test of sensory integration on balance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seated posturography demonstrated improved correlation with neurological level of lesion compared to that of routinely applied subjective clinical tests.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Seated posturography represents an appealing outcome measure that may be applied toward the measurement of functional changes in response to various rehabilitation interventions in individuals with paralysis.
authors.affiliation: James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA. noam.harel@va.gov
authors.forename: Noam Y
authors.initials: NY
authors.lastname: Harel
authors.forename: Pierre K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Asselin
authors.forename: Drew B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Fineberg
authors.forename: Thomas J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Pisano
authors.forename: William A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Bauman
authors.forename: Ann M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Spungen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019937:Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004856:Postural Balance; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D055815:Young Adult